The Consumer Credit Code governs all credit transactions taking place in Australia from 1 November 1996.

Credit providers such as banks, building societies, credit unions, finance companies and businesses must: bullet point.

• tell customers what their rights and obligations are in any credit arrangement , bullet point.

• truthfully disclose all relevant information about a customer's credit arrangement in a written contract, including interest rates, fees, commissions and other information , bullet point.

• be careful not to make contracts with consumers who would find it difficult to meet their repayments. A court can order changes to a contract if it is considered unjust.

The code recognises that it is important to protect consumers if they get into trouble. The introduction of user-friendly credit contracts is to prevent credit problems commonly faced by consumers.

You can read more about The New Consumer Credit Code.

Consumer Protection is committed to promoting a fair and competitive environment for traders and businesses.

It also allows for customers to have access to a fair and competitive marketplace.

For specific information about consumer protection in your state, go to the Federal Government website, and then select the state you want.

You can read more at The Department of Commerce.

The EEO (CA) Act of July 1 1987 requires Commonwealth authorities to promote equal opportunity in employment for everyone.

You can read the EEO Act. (Go to Legislation, Commonwealth Acts, Commonwealth Consolidated Acts (AustLII Alphabetical List), Equal Employment Opportunities.)

You can also read related news items.

The Freedom of Information Act 1982 gives members of the public rights of access to official documents of the Commonwealth and of its agencies, subject to certain exemptions set out in the Act.

Under the Freedom of Information Act, your customers are entitled to view any records regarding themselves.

You can read about: bullet point.

• The Federal Privacy Commissioner , bullet point.

• The 1988 Privacy Act , bullet point.

• Overview of the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000

• E-mail and privacy

The Telecommunications Act of 1997 allows anyone to enter into the communications business and businesses to compete in any market against one another.

Part of the Commonwealth Telecommunications act 1997(Cth) states that, unless permitted by part 13, an employee within a call centre must not use or disclose the affairs or personal particulars of another person learnt through their duties.

The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman was established to resolve disputes between telecommunications companies and residential and small business customers. It is an independent non-government organisation.

The Trade Practices Act 1974 looks at consumer protection, competition and fair trading.

Occupational safety and health legislation is intended to provide all workers with a safe and health work environment.

The National Occupational Health and Safety Commission provides links to information relevant to the different states and Territories in Australia.